Buchanan Scores First International Goal

By Shannon McNamara

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May 09, 2014 11:29 AM

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Kadeisha Buchanan has evolved into a vital fixture on the Canadian Women's National Team.

Photo from Canada Soccer

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University freshman defender Kadeisha Buchanan scored her first career international goal in the Canadian Women’s National Team’s 1-1 draw against the United States Women’s National Team on May 8, at Investors Group Field, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Buchanan, a Brampton, Ontario, native, netted the first goal of the match in the 36th minute. Teammate Rhian Wilkinson won a corner kick, and midfielder Diana Matheson sent a cross from the right side to Buchanan, who headed the ball past USA goalkeeper Hope Solo.

The 2013 Canadian U-20 Player of the Year, Buchanan, a center back, is credited with shutting down the USA’s most-potent offensive threat, Abby Wambach. The young Canadian backline held its opponent in check for most of the match, before Sydney Leroux netted the equalizer in the 77th minute.

“We’ll find some areas to keep working on, but she’s (Buchanan) got the chance to be the best player in the world in her position,” Canadian coach John Herman said of Buchanan following the match.

Buchanan played the full 90 minutes. Mountaineer freshman midfielder Ashley Lawrence also dressed for the Canadians but did not see playing time. Both are expected to represent Canada at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada, set for Aug. 5-24.

The Canadian Women’s National Team is back in action on June 18, as the squad will play host to Germany at BC Place Stadium, in Vancouver, British Columbia.